RIYADH: Diriyah Season — which is presented by Diriyah Company in partnership with Diriyah Gate Development Authority — opens in December with a captivating array of events and experiences designed to bring to life the living heritage of the location, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia.

The season will provide visitors with an experience that combines arts and culture, live performances and experiences which showcase nearly 600 years of history and heritage in a compelling and entertaining way.

The event will take place across several areas of Diriyah, including parks, wadis, Bujairi Terrace, and the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif.

The season offers a three-month schedule of events that caters to all tastes. 

Attractions include immersive art installations and exhibitions, outstanding culinary events, live musical and theatrical performances, the much-awaited Diriyah ePrix Championship organized by the Ministry of Sport, an expanded return of Layali Diriyah, and outdoor pursuits like horseback riding, camping, and stargazing.

This year’s theme honors Diriyah’s story and celebrates Al-Awja in a rallying call for all Saudis to unite and celebrate their shared culture and identity.

While Diriyah is a vital element in Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity and national pride, it also stands at the forefront of the Kingdom’s plans for the future as a unique cultural capital.

The birthplace of the First Saudi State, it is a city built with people at its heart; a place where people from all walks of life come together and experience the unique Saudi way of life. 

The season offers a unique opportunity for tourists from across the region and the world to experience the warm hospitality, rich culture, heritage, and traditions of the Kingdom and its people, increasing cultural dialogue across the country and the world.

Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi tourism minister, board member and secretary-general of Diriyah Company, said: “As Saudi Arabia expands its tourism offering, we are unlocking the enormous potential that the sector offers. Central to this is authenticity in tourism — people travel for real stories and to meet real people. Diriyah Season will create connections and dialogue, supporting experiential tourism that is highly meaningful and memorable.”

Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “Diriyah Season will unite the world in a celebration of culture and shared experiences. As we embark on this new annual season of events, we look forward to showcasing Diriyah, ‘The City of Earth,’ and its values as one of the most culturally significant locations in the Kingdom.”